Meet the candidates

Al French

Personal: Born in Belton, Texas, age 54, divorced, one daughter.

Education: Western High School, Las Vegas, Nev.; University of Idaho, architecture, 1977.

Professional /job history: Architecture, property management and development in Spokane, 1978 to present. Owns Al French Architect PLLC. Owns or has owned other design and development firms.

Political experience: One term on Spokane City Council, board member of Spokane Neighborhood Economic Development Alliance, former president of Nevada-Lidgerwood Neighborhood Council, Spokane Transit Authority board, member of Community-Minded Enterprises and other affiliations.

Key issues: Restore financial stability to City Hall, in part through making city friendlier to business development; complete neighborhood plans with financial assistance from community development funds; prepare the northeast district for the coming North Spokane freeway.

Money raised: $4,100 cash; $5,300 in-kind donations. Top contributors include Avista Corp., $1,000, city firefighters Local 29, $750; Stan Stirling, $450; Phyllis Holmes, $250.

Quote: “We can’t continue to cut and cut and cut … You need to grow your tax base.”

Person who influenced you the most: Earl McCarthy, a boss at McCarthy Management.

Favorite president: Ronald Reagan.

First priority if elected: Making city stable financially.